"But these are real 'boughten' clothes," said Joe, "and gilt buttons down the jacket. I shall feel like a soldier-boy. Just look now."
The bundle came open with a flourish of the jack-knife. All the heads crowded round, though the one candle gave a rather dim light.
Such exclamations as sounded through the little room, from every voice, and in almost every key.
"But where are the trousers?" asked Hal.
"The trousers?—why"—
Granny held up the beautiful jacket. There was nothing else in the paper.
"Why—he's made a mistake. He never put them in, I am sure."
"You couldn't have lost 'em?" asked Granny mildly.
"Lost them—and the bundle tied with this strong twine! Now, that's mean! I'll have to run right back."
Off went Joe like a flash. He hardly drew a breath until his hand was on Mr. Brigg's door-knob.